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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19981208APPROVED 3/16/99 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR SESSION DECEMBER 8,1998 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on December 8, 1998 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board room at the Southern Human Services Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Margaret W. Brown and Commissioners Moses Carey, Jr., William L. Crowther, Alice M. Gordon and Stephen H. Halkiotis. COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John Link, Assistant County Managers Albert Kittrell and Rod Visser and Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe. (all other staff will be identified accordingly) 1. RESOLUTION OF COMMENDATION a. Bill Crowther Chair Margaret Brown read and presented on behalf of the County Commissioners a resolution of commendation to Bill Crowther. Commissioner Crowther made comments about his four years in office. He thanked those who helped him during that time and expressed appreciation for the support he received during the last four years from family and friends. He congratulated commissioner-elect Barry Jacobs and wished the County Commissioners luck. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the resolution as stated below: Orange County Board of Commissioners Hillsborough, North Carolina Resolution of Commendation for Commissioner William L. Crowther WHEREAS, the citizens of Orange County elected William L. Crowther to the Board of County Commissioners in 1994; and, WHEREAS, William L. Crowther has served the citizens of Orange County with distinction as their County Commissioner for the past four years, and in 1997, the Board of County Commissioners selected Conunissioner Crowther to serve as its Board Chair; and, WHEREAS, Commissioner Crowther has given freely and unselfishly of his time and energy and through his foresight and leadership, helped promote progressive changes and improvements in the operation of Orange County government; and, WHEREAS, during his tenure as an Orange County Commissioner, William Crowther has shared his talent for leadership and public service through his work on several community, local and state committees, including the Economic Development Commission, the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council, the Local Emergency Response Planning Como ittee, the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board, the Shaping Orange County's Future task force, the Social Services Board, the Triangle J Council of Governments and the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Insurance Board of Trustees, among others. NOW, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners officially commends William L. Crowther for his distinguished service to the community and wishes him and his family the very best in his future endeavors. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be presented to Mr. Crowther, with a copy sent to the press, and that the Resolution be spread upon the minutes of this meeting, the eighth day of December, 1998. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 2. OATHS OF OFFICE FOR BOARD MEMBERS a. Alice Gordon Clerk to the Board Beverly Blythe gave the oath of office to Alice M. Gordon for a four year term as County Commissioner. The Oath of Office is in the permanent agenda file in the Clerk's office and tiled in the Clerk of Courts office. b. Stephen Halkiotis Clerk to the Board Beverly Blythe gave the oath of office to Stephen H. Halkiotis for a four year term as County Commissioner. The Oath of Office is in the permanent agenda file in the Clerk's office and filed in the Clerk of Courts office. c. Barry Jacobs Joseph Moody "Joe" Buckner, District Court Judge 15B, gave the oath of office to Barry Jacobs for a four year term as County Commissioner. The Oath of Office is in the permanent agenda file in the Clerk's office and filed in the Clerk of Courts office. Commissioner Jacobs thanked his wife Robin for managing his campaign and his mother, family and friends for their support. He thanked Commissioner Halkiotis and Commissioner Gordon for treating him with respect while running for office. He said that he feels he ran a positive campaign and that he brings to the office a lot of experience. He listed those issues he wants to work on and said that he looks forward to working with all the County Commissioners and County staff. 3. BOARD ORGANIZATION a. Election of Chair and Vice-Chair The County Commissioners elected Commissioner Gordon as Chair until the first meeting in December, 1999. VOTE: Commissioner Gordon, 3; Chair Brown, 2 Chair Gordon then chaired the remainder of the meeting. She thanked Commissioner Brown for her leadership this last year. She commended her for her tireless efforts and her involvement with many projects this past year. Her problem solving of various issues was very beneficial. She thanked the other commissioners for their wisdom and experience and Barry Jacobs for a new perspective. She said that she looks forward to working with staff. She recognized her husband who continues to support her and her efforts The County Commissioners elected Commissioner Halkiotis vice-chair until the first meeting in December, 1999. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Halkiotis thanked Margaret Brown for her tireless efforts and for bringing a spirit of caring and humanity into the process. He feels that she has done a wonderful job during the year she served as Chair.. b. Designation of Voting Delegate for all NCACC and NACo Meetings for Calendar Year December 1, 1998-1999 A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs that Chair Gordon shall serve as the voting delegate and that Commissioner Carey will serve in her absence. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 4. APPOINTMENTS a. Manager A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appoint John M. Link, Jr. as County Manager. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Clerk to the Board A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to appoint Beverly A. Blythe as Clerk to the Board. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. County Attorney A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appoint the firm of Coleman, Gledhill and Hargrave as the firm of attorneys representing Orange County. d. Board Member Appointments and Other Appointments (See list provided under separate cover) It was decided to postpone these appointments until the December 15, 1998 meeting except for those appointments which belong to the Chair's position. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to reassign the following boards/commissions to Chair Gordon: Consultation Coordination Committee (CCC) Landfill Owners Group Landfill Owners Group - Alternative Financing Committee Landfill Owners Group - Community Benefits Monthly meeting of Mayors Public Private Partnership Board Chapel Hill/CaiTboro Chamber of Commerce (Ex Officio) Chatham/Orange Work Group Greater Triangle Regional Council VOTE: UNANIMOUS ADDED ITEM Reverend Manley from the First Baptist Church in Chapel Hill asked for the Board's support for an application they are submitting in cooperation with the United Church of Christ for HUD 202 funding for low income housing. They have found a piece of land and are serious about going through with their application. This project will be a 35 - 40 unit complex on Merritt Mill Road. They still need to do impact studies and design drawings. They have received support from the Chapel Hill Town Council for this project and would appreciate being on a future agenda. It was decided that Reverend Manley would contract John Link so he can schedule this item on an upcoming County Commissioners' agenda. 5. ITEMS FOR ACTION/DISCUSSION a. Examination of Bonds A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve bonds of the officers named in G.S. 109-5 at the current levels. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Resolution Adjusting the Starting Salary of the Sheriff and Confirming the Starting Salary of the Register of Deeds A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the resolution as stated below: RESOLUTION ADJUSTING THE STARTING SALARY OF THE SHERIFF AND CONFIRMING THE STARTING SALARY OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS POSITIONS EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 7, 1998 The Orange County Board of Commissioners, as authorized by North Carolina General Statutes 153A- 92 and Article II, Section 3.13 of the Orange County Personnel Ordinance, has set the salaries of the Sheriff and Register of Deeds as provided below effective December 7, 1998. • The salary of Sheriff Lindy Pendergrass is Step 1113 of Salary Grade 80 in the Orange County Classification and Pay Plan. The Step 11B salary is $85,754. The salary of Register of Deeds Joyce Pearson is Step 1 of Salary Grade 78 in the Orange County Classification and Pay Plan. The Step 1 salary is $48,920. All other compensation elements including expense allowances are as set forth in the Orange County Personnel Ordinance. The compensation of the Sheriff and the Register of Deeds shall change from time to time according to the Orange County Classification and Pay Plan pursuant to Performance Reviews conducted by the Chair of the Board of Commissioners or where that plan prescribes automatic changes in step or salary or as otherwise changed by Resolution of the Board of Commissioners. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Solid Waste Management Issues John Link said that Chapel Hill adopted a resolution last night regarding the management of solid waste in Orange County. Gayle Wilson, Solid Waste Director, will present this evening some siting opportunities for a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and a transfer station. John Link made reference to the first page of the agenda abstract and the proposed principles to govern the possible assumption by the County of overall solid waste management responsibility and asked that the County Commissioners discuss and provide comments on these principles. He noted that the Mayor of Chapel Hill has suggested that a work group made up of the Mayors and Managers meet to discuss the remaining solid waste issues in mid January. Gayle Wilson presented a map of the Orange Regional Landfill showing the current and potential solid waste facilities. He described these facilities and said that they have found an area that is partially used as a yard waste area and partially unused because of a ravine. They think that if they fill in this ravine and bring it up to grade that they could create an additional three acres. This, along with relocating their mulching area will provide enough space for a MRF. If they relocate the convenience center to the south side and relocate the equipment site, they will create enough acreage for a transfer station. We are taking existing land and providing a site for a transfer station and a MRF. Commissioner Carey asked if this would provide for sufficient buffers on the road and Gayle Wilson said that they will maintain the existing buffer. Chair Gordon asked about how many acres they would need for a transfer station. Gayle Wilson said that this area would be 11 acres including the buffer area and that six acres is sufficient for a transfer station. Gayle Wilson showed on a map three disposal site options for construction and demolition materials. One of these options would utilize the western portion of the LOG owned Johnson property, the three properties directly adjacent to the Johnson property owned or optioned by Ms. Deng and a 200 foot easement for a required buffer located on property owned by Duke University. This site would have an estimated life of about 12-13 years. Commissioner Jacobs noted that he talked with Duke University who indicated they might be willing to sell this property to the County. Gayle Wilson said that a decision needs to be made soon on the location of the MRF. The transfer station will not be needed for six years. The siting of a C&D location needs to be done immediately John Link said that even if these sites do not turn out to be the final sites , the County Commissioners can say we have a site and move on to address the other solid waste issues. Commissioner Halkiotis asked about the size of a MRF building and Gayle Wilson said that the building we would need would be similar in size to what they have seen in Athens, Georgia. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he feels that if we are going to put three waste facilities on a compact site that we need to look at addressing the County's need - not regional. Gayle Wilson said that a MRF would not need to be much larger to accept solid waste material from Chatham County. However, the transfer station would need to be larger to accommodate a regional facility. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to a newspaper article which talked about C&D diversions and said that he feels that there are people who would welcome an opportunity to help in this effort. Gayle Wilson said they have been contacted by firms but the problem is that we don't have the volume that would make it profitable for them. The Board discussed the direction they want to pursue and decided that they need a master plan that will verify that these facilities will fit on the acreage as proposed and also commitments from Mrs. Deng and Duke University for the acreage they need for this plan. John Link suggested that the source of funding also be identified. In response to a comment from Commissioner Halkiotis about noise, Gayle Wilson said that one thing that is a positive about the MRF site in that the proposed site is located near the mound of the old landfill which would block any noise going in that direction and the other direction is Duke property. There would not be incoming traffic on the second shift because the material would all be delivered during the day. Commissioner Jacobs asked about the Tidewaters Company and Gayle Wilson said that they have been talking with Tidewater. They have selected a facility on NC 70 east of Durham. They are bringing in used equipment and trying to set up immediately. Tidewater wants to be able to handle Durham's trash before expanding. They will be able to bid for recyclables from Orange County within the next few months. . DISCUSSION OF ATTACHMENT 2, 3, 4 John Link made reference to attachment 2 and summarized the different responses from Chapel Hill and Carrboro to Orange County's proposal for management of solid waste. Chapel Hill still has a concern about the use of the Greene Tract. They do not want this used for construction and demolition waste. They want the transfer station and the MRF to be located near the municipalities so that hauling costs may be kept reasonable and they obj ect to any condemnation of properties owned by Mrs. Blackwood and Mrs. Nunn. Commissioner Carey said that he supports using 60 acres of the Greene Tract for activities related to solid waste and the Board decided they needed to talk with Chapel Hill about this issue. With reference to the Blackwood and Nunn properties, Commissioner Carey said that he does not support condemnation of these properties but that he feels that we should not commit any future board to that decision. Commissioner Jacobs agreed that we need to acknowledge their concern and indicate that we are not interested in acquiring property from Blackwood or Nunn. John Link made reference to community benefits and said that the Town of Carrboro wants to be sure that Millhouse Road is included. There is a subcommittee which will address the financing of these community benefits and also make a recommendation on the number of households involved. Commissioner Jacobs feels that the Landfill enterprise fund should pay for these benefits. He said that based on Chapel Hill's resolution and what Carrboro has said, this is not something that needs to be resolved before the County takes over the management of solid waste. Chair Gordon said that the community benefits issue can be addressed after the transfer of solid waste management to Orange County. She feels that we need to look at alternative financing for paying for these community benefits. The Board discussed availability fees and how these could be used to pay for community benefits. Commissioner Carey feels that community benefits should be discussed early next year. They need to wait until they receive a report from the committee which is studying the overall financing of solid waste management activities. John Link reviewed attachment three and the principles for assuming responsibility for solid waste management. The Commissioners reviewed the principles in the "IF" section of the proposal, and made the following changes: ? IF - # 2 added (with acknowledgment that the current Board of Commissioners has no inclination to bury mixed solid waste (MSW) or construction and demolition (C&D) waste on this property) ? IF - #3 added (with acknowledgment that the current Board of Commissioners has no inclination to use the Blackwood and Nunn properties) ? IF - #6 deleted from this section and placed under THEN as #9 which reads "The County will finance community benefits through the landfill enterprise (unless Carrboro and Chapel Hill agree to earmark a portion of one cent sales taxes for their share of community benefits) ? IF-#7,#8,#9 and #10 became #6, # 7, #8 and #9 ? THEN - 49 was added as stated above. NOTE: The revised list of principles is attached to these minutes. The manager will prepare a draft of tonight's meeting, share with the County Commissioners and with final approval from Chair Gordon send it out. We will communicate back to the towns that we are encouraged by their decisions and that the County is ready to take responsibility for solid waste management. 6. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to adjourn the meeting. The next regular meeting will be held on December 15, 1998 at 7:30 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Alice M. Gordon, Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk